Federal Government officials have begun returning to Twitter following the lifting of the suspension on Twitter by President Muhammadu Buhari after seven months.
Minister of state, labour and employment Festus Keyamo tweeted on Thursday that Nigeria is better off with all its conditions agreed by Twitter.
“For those who prioritised politics over patriotism and exhibited disingenuous righteousness on Twitter suspension, they can now see that with all the FG conditions to which Twitter agreed, Nigeria is eventually better off for it. Congratulations Nigeria,” Mr Keyamo wrote.
The Federal Government accused Twitter of double standards last year when it deleted a controversial “civil war” post by Buhari in June before suspending the platform’s operations.
Tweeting at midnight on Thursday, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity Garba Shehu said that Nigeria gained “immeasurably” from the shutdown of Twitter.
He wrote, “Welcome back – Let me join fellow countrymen and women in welcoming the resolution of the impasse between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Twitter Inc., leading to the laying of a ‘foundation for a mutually beneficial future with endless possibilities.
“I join the leaders of government in appreciating all Nigerians, ‘especially the vibrant Nigerian youths who have borne with the long wait to resolve this impasse,’ and as the government statement clearly says, the gains made from this shared national sacrifice are immeasurable.
“We hope that this is appreciated by all. The nation comes first. Once again, welcome back!”
In his first tweet, the personal assistant on new media to the president Bashir Ahmad said, “Peace be upon you and your family!”
He also reacted to a statement by Twitter on the resumption of operation.
“The microblogging site is deeply committed to Nigeria that is the best part of this tweet. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Mr Ahmad said.
Special assistant to the president on digital and new media Tolu Ogunlesi has also made his first tweet, writing about activities of the Federal Government.
